Friday, October 18, 2013

In an emergency, time matters, right?

The following recorded message is currently being provided when you call a local primary care clinic.  It clearly was just dropped in before the regular message. There is no way to bypass it. Did someone forget about the medical emergency advice that usually comes up front, or was there a conscious decision to push it back?

I understand the challenges that clinics face in providing clear, concise, and current patient information.  I wonder how other places have solved this particular problem.

Thank you for calling [name].  At the present we are offering the flu vaccine for all patients interested in obtaining it.  If interested, please be sure sure to ask your doctor or nurse practictioner for it during your visit.  We also have a walk-in clinic available for you in [location] from 8:30 am until 5:00pm.  The flu shot will be charged to your insurance.

Please remain on the line for our main menu.

Thank you for calling [name, repeated].

[30 seconds in] If this is a medical emergency, hang up and dial 911 or your local medical response number.

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